Pinkie Closet

ABSTRACT

A pinkie closet assembly may enclose a suspended plunger, a suspended toilet bowl brush, and may incorporate a shelf on which cleaning supplies and related items can be stored. A suspension mechanism holds the handle of the plunger, thus suspending the bell in mid-air. Similarly, a suspension mechanism, hanging hook, or similar device can be used to suspend a toilet brush. A removable drip tray is provided under the suspended tool(s) to catch any water that drips therefrom. A disposable absorbent pad may be adapted to fit within the tray. A door is provided so that the closet can be closed, concealing the items therein; and the entire assembly then adds to the appearance of the bathroom rather than detracting from it. A top exterior surface of the pinkie closet provides a convenient shelf to hold items for display, reading materials, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/760,437 entitled PINKIE CLOSET and filed on Feb. 4, 2013, which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that it discloses and teaches.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to the field of bathroom and toilet accessories, and more particularly to a closet for cleanly and neatly storing and organizing toilet plungers, toilet brushes, and other toilet/bathroom items.

BACKGROUND

A number of tools, cleaning supplies, and other accessories are often stored in proximity to a toilet in a bathroom. For example, it is not uncommon to see a toilet brush, plunger, bottle of cleaner, etc. placed beside, behind, or near a toilet. Such open, visible storage is unsightly and unattractive. Further, both the toilet brush and the toilet plunger will often drip unsanitary water after usage and can create additional mess and unsightliness.

A number of stand-alone holders or storage items have been developed to address these problems, but they fall woefully short of a complete solution. For example, small stands that enclose the base of a toilet brush are available. They hide the bristle head portion of the brush and collect any water, cleaning solution, etc. that drips off the brush head after use. However, the brush handle itself is still visible and the entire assembly is unattractive. Similar items are available for toilet plungers; but they have the same inherent flaws: the entire assembly is unattractive, and the head of the plunger rests on a surface and so traps water and bacteria therebetween. Further, the water that drips from both plungers and brushes into such currently known enclosures, often can not evaporate quickly and so creates a place for bacteria, mold, mildew, etc. to grow and flourish. Furthermore, such enclosures do no provide a neat and convenient place to store cleaning fluids and accessories.

What is needed is a small closet that stores plungers, toilet brushes, and other accessories. The plungers, brushes and/or other toilet tools should be suspended such that the bristle/brush head or plunger bell (collectively, working portion) does not rest on a surface and trap water and bacteria, so it can quickly dry. A drip catch mechanism should be included under the suspended toilet tool(s) to catch any remaining water that drips from the tools. Further, a shelf or similar structure should be incorporated on which to store cleaning supplies, gloves, and related items.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a pinkie closet assembly that encloses a suspended plunger and a suspended toilet bowl brush, and incorporates a shelf on which cleaning supplies and related items can be stored. A suspension mechanism holds the handle of the plunger, thus suspending the bell in mid-air. Similarly, a suspension mechanism, hanging hook, or similar device can be used to suspend the toilet brush as well. In other embodiments, other toilet tool(s) are suspended within the pinkie closet. A removable drip tray is provided under the suspended toilet tool to catch any water that drips from said tools. A disposable absorbent pad may be adapted to fit within the tray. The assembly can include additional storage hooks, clamps, shelves, and compartments to efficiently organize and store items such as gloves, brushes, sponges, etc. A door is provided so that the closet can be closed, concealing the items therein; and the entire assembly then adds to the appearance of the bathroom rather than detracting from it. A top exterior surface of the pinkie closet provides a convenient shelf to hold items for display, reading materials, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of three exemplary embodiments of differently shaped Pinkie Closets; and

FIG. 5A illustrates a top plan view of a top shelf inside an exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet highlighting a plurality of suspension mechanisms holding a brush and a plunger.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top plan view of a plurality of suspension mechanisms, one empty and the other holding a plunger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. Furthermore, lists and/or examples are often provided and should be interpreted as exemplary only and in no way limiting embodiments to only those examples.

Exemplary embodiments are described below in the accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides a comprehensive review of the drawing Figures in order to provide a thorough understanding of, and an enabling description for, these embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that in some cases well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet 100. The closet assembly includes a top planar surface 10, a bottom 18, a left side 14 and a right side 12, a back 16 and a front door 20 that together define an interior 11 that encloses a number of other components, including: a top shelf 19, a side shelf 50, and a drip tray 40. The top exterior planar surface 10 of the Pinkie Closet provides a convenient shelf to hold items for display, reading materials, etc. In other embodiments, the back, top shelf, and/or other components may or may not be included.

The embodiment in FIG. 1 incorporates a top shelf 19 that has includes a plurality of suspension mechanisms 80 and 90. In other embodiments, other suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 may be used without a top shelf 19. For example, extended spring clamps may be mounting within the Pinkie Closet such that they suspend the toilet tools, without the need for a top shelf 19. The suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 are adapted to vertically suspend one or more toilet tools such as a toilet bowl brush 60 and a toilet plunger 70. In another embodiment, the Pinkie Closet is designed to hold a plunger 70 only and not a toilet brush 60. In yet another embodiment, the Pinkie Closet is adapted to hold a toilet brush 60 only, and not a plunger 70.

Said tools 60 and 70 are suspended over a drip tray 40 that catches and contains any water, etc. that may drip from either tool after use. The drip tray 40 may incorporate a disposable absorbent pad 48 that is constructed of materials that function like a diaper or sanitary pad. The disposable absorbent pad 48 is adapted to fit within the drip tray 40, and can include disinfectant(s) and/or deodorizer(s) therein. The pad 48 can be easily removed and disposed of after use. An additional new pad can then be installed. The drip tray can also incorporate a drip tray handle that is adapted to provide a grasping point on the drip tray to be used when inserting and removing the drip tray from the Pinkie Closet.

The side shelf 50 is adapted to hold cleaning supplies such as containers of cleaning products 54, gloves, sponges, etc. One or more hooks can be attached under the side shelf 50 from which to hang items. Because toilet tool(s) have a relatively narrow handle portion above and opposite a wider working portion (see the plunger bell 76 and the brush head 66 of the exemplary toilet tools 70 and 60, respectively, in FIG. 1 in comparison to the upper handle portions of both tools), the side shelf 50 can be tucked into the Pinkie Closet 100 above the working portion without unduly widening the assembly. Note that the toilet tools each have a handle portion and, opposite the handle portion, a working portion comprising that portion of the toilet tool that engages the toilet and performs the primary working function of the toilet tool. As shown in FIG. 1, the working portion of the toilet brush 60 is the brush head 66 and the working portion of the toilet plunger 70 is the plunger bell 76.

One or more air vents 30 and 32 can be incorporated into the Pinkie Closet 100. The air vents 30 and 32 are adapted to provide air flow through the Pinkie Closet even when the front door 20 is closed. The air flow helps to dry the plunger and brush after use so as to minimize the moisture available to grow bacteria, mold, etc.

Note that both the brush head 66 and the plunger bell 76 are completely suspended inside the Pinkie Closet 100. By not allowing these items to contact other surfaces, the Pinkie Closet 100 helps to keep things sanitary while providing airflow around the brush head 66 and plunger bell 76 so that they can quickly dry after use. Any remaining water that drips from either tool will be caught by the drip pan 40 and absorbed by the disposable absorbent pad 48. The entire drip tray 40 can be easily removed from the Pinkie Closet 100 simply by grasping the drip tray handle 42 and sliding the tray out from under the tools.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet. The closet assembly includes a top planar surface 10, a bottom 18, a left side 14 and a right side 12, and a front door (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIG. 1, item 20) that together enclose a number of other components, including: a top shelf 19, a side shelf 50, and a drip tray 40. Note that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 there is no back component (see item 16, FIG. 1). If the Pinkie Closet is placed in proximity to a wall, no back component is needed to hide the contents of the Pinkie Closet. Furthermore, air flow through the interior is enhanced when no back is built into the Closet. In another embodiment, only a portion of a back 16 is included in the Pinkie Closet assembly. In yet another embodiment, the back 16 incorporates holes or other air vents.

Note how both the plunger 70 and the toilet brush 60 are suspended within the Pinkie Closet above the drip tray 40. No portion of the brush head 66 or plunger bell 76 is in contact with any surface. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, two exemplary suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 are used to suspend both the toilet brush 60 and the plunger 70. In other embodiments, other types of suspension mechanisms may be utilized. For example, one or more spring clamps can be attached within the interior of the Pinkie Closet to grasp and hold the handles of the tools and suspend them above the drip tray 40 without utilizing a top shelf 19.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet. The closet assembly includes a top planar surface 10, a bottom 18, a left side 14 and a right side 12, a back 16 and a front door (not shown in FIG. 3, see FIG. 1, item 20) that together enclose a number of other components, including: a top shelf 19, a side shelf 50, and a drip tray 40. Note how both the plunger 70 and the toilet brush 60 are suspended within the Pinkie Closet above the drip tray 40. No portion of the brush head 66 or plunger bell 76 is in contact with any surface. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a single exemplary suspension mechanism 90 is used to suspend the plunger 70 and a hook 89 is used to suspend the toilet brush 60. In other embodiments, other types of hooks and suspension mechanisms may be utilized, see, for example, FIG. 5B.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of three exemplary embodiments of differently shaped Pinkie Closets. The leftmost Pinkie Closet 94 is triangular in shape and fits nicely within a bathroom corner location or against a shelf unit, shower stall, etc. The center Pinkie Closet 96 is a rounded design that fits a more elegant design motif The rightmost Pinkie Closet 98 is a boxy design that fits a modern design motif Regardless of their external look and feel, all three Pinkie Closets 94, 96, and 98 provide the functionality described above. In yet other embodiments, the Pinkie Closet can have other shapes, sizes, height/width ratios, colors, styles, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top plan view of a top shelf 19 inside an exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet highlighting a plurality of suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 holding a brush 60 and a plunger 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the suspension mechanisms comprise an elongated U shaped channel that decreases in width as you approach the trough of the U. On the sides of the channel are clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 that grasp and hold the handles of the tools inserted therebetween. Note how the tool handles 60 and 70 realign the clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 as the tool handles are pushed deeper into the U channel. The clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 can be any sufficiently deformable yet springy material, such as rubber, foam, silicone, etc. In other embodiments, other suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 and/or clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 can be utilized. For example, spring claws, spring clamps, pinch clamps, etc. can be used to hold the handle(s) of the tool(s) (see FIG. 5B, for example).

FIG. 5B illustrates a top plan view of a plurality of suspension mechanisms 80 and 90, one empty (80) and the other (90) holding a plunger 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the suspension mechanisms comprise clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 that grasp and hold the handles of the tools 70 inserted therein. Note how the tool handle 70 realigns the clamping mechanism 92 as the tool handle is pushed into the suspension mechanism 90; compare this to the arrangement of the clamping mechanism 82 within the empty suspension mechanism 80. The clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B are spring clamps that have clamp arms on one end that grasp the tool handles, a hinge in the middle, and a spring mechanism on the other end. In other embodiments, other suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 and/or clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 can be utilized. For example, spring claws, spring clamps, pinch clamps, etc. can be used to hold the handle(s) of the tool(s) such that the working portion of each tool is suspended.

While particular embodiments have been described and disclosed in the present application, it is clear that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of this disclosure.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claims encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the claimed subject matter.

The above detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular fields of usage mentioned above. While specific embodiments and examples are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the embodiments provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents, applications and other references that may be listed in accompanying or subsequent filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of various references to provide yet further embodiments.

In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the disclosure. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, embodiments may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the embodiments as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the embodiments with which that terminology is associated.

While certain aspects are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pinkie closet assembly, comprising: a top surface attached to a left side and a right side; a bottom positioned below the top surface and attached to the left side and the right side, thereby defining an interior within the pinkie closet; a front door adapted to open to provide access to the interior and to close when access to the interior is no longer needed; a suspension mechanism located within the interior that is adapted to grasp a handle portion of a toilet tool; a drip tray in the interior; wherein the toilet tool is selected from the set of a toilet bowl brush and a toilet plunger; wherein the suspension mechanism is further adapted to vertically suspend the toilet tool within the interior such that a working portion opposite a handle portion and comprising that portion of the toilet tool that engages the toilet and performs a primary working function of the toilet tool, does not contact any surface; and wherein the drip tray is located below the toilet tool and is adapted to contain any items that drip from the toilet tool after use thereof
 2. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 1 wherein the drip tray further comprises a disposable absorbent pad that is adapted to fit within the drip tray and absorb any drips from the plunger.
 3. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet that is adapted to hold cleaning supplies.
 4. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet that is adapted to hold cleaning supplies.
 5. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
 6. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie Closet when the front door is in a closed position.
 7. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
 8. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
 9. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 8, wherein the drip tray further comprises a drip tray handle that is adapted to provide a grasping point on the drip tray to be used when inserting and removing the drip tray from the pinkie closet.
 10. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 9, further comprising a hook portion attached on an underside of the top shelf and adapted to suspend therefrom a handle of a toilet bowl brush.
 11. A pinkie closet assembly, comprising: a top planar surface attached to a left side and a right side; a bottom attached to the left side and the right side; a back attached to at least two of the left side, the right side, the top planar surface and the bottom; wherein the top planar surface, the right side, the left side, the bottom and the back define an interior within the pinkie closet; a front door adapted to open to provide access to the interior and to close when access to the interior is no longer needed; a suspension mechanism located within the interior that is adapted to grasp a handle portion of a toilet plunger; a drip tray in the interior; wherein the suspension mechanism is further adapted to vertically suspend the toilet plunger within the interior such that a plunger bell of the toilet plunger does not contact any surface; and wherein the drip tray is located below the toilet plunger and is adapted to contain any items that drip from the plunger after use thereof.
 12. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 11 wherein the drip tray further comprises a disposable absorbent pad that is adapted to fit within the drip tray and absorb any drips from the plunger.
 13. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet that is adapted to hold cleaning supplies.
 14. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet that is adapted to hold cleaning supplies.
 15. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
 16. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
 17. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 13, further comprising: a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
 18. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 14, further comprising: a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
 19. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 11, wherein the drip tray further comprises a drip tray handle that is adapted to provide a grasping point on the drip tray to be used when inserting and removing the drip tray from the pinkie closet.
 20. A pinkie closet assembly, comprising: a top planar surface attached to a left side and a right side; a bottom positioned below the top planar surface and attached to the left side and the right side, thereby defining an interior within the pinkie closet; a front door adapted to open to provide access to the interior and to close when access to the interior is no longer needed; a top shelf in the interior and attached to the left side and the right side; wherein the top shelf includes a first suspension mechanism that is adapted to grasp a first handle portion of a toilet plunger, and a second suspension mechanism that is adapted to grasp a second handle portion of a toilet brush; a side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet above a plunger bell of the toilet plunger and that is adapted to hold cleaning supplies above the bottom; a drip tray in the interior; wherein the suspension mechanism is further adapted to vertically suspend the toilet plunger and the toilet brush within the interior such that the plunger bell of the toilet plunger does not contact any surface and a brush head of the toilet brush does not contact any surface; wherein the drip tray is located below the toilet plunger and is adapted to contain any items that drip from the plunger after use thereof; wherein the drip tray further comprises a disposable absorbent pad that is adapted to fit within the drip tray and absorb any drips from the plunger; and a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the pinkie Closet when the front door is in a closed position. 